Danny Did Foundation

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, an estimated 50,000 people die every year as a result of seizures. Some of these victims are youngsters like Danny Stanton. Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton founded the Danny Did Foundation after their 4-year-old son, Danny, died from a seizure while he was sleeping. The foundation is dedicated to preventing deaths caused by seizures and raising epilepsy awareness among the public and medical community. That's no small task, but one brave 7-year-old is taking a courageous step to help raise awareness of epilepsy's dangers.

Nick Curley never met Danny, but Nick's cousin Jenny suffers from seizures. Nick has always helped out epilepsy charities in small ways, but felt the need to do something bigger. As an enthusiastic hockey player, he decided to combine his love for the sport and passion for charity to create "100 Miles for Danny.''

The 7-year-old athlete visited 20 different hockey rinks in the Chicago area and skated 5 miles, or 50 laps, at each rink. His goal has been to raise money and awareness for epilepsy, as well as the Danny Did Foundation. I had the honor and pleasure to skate with Nick on two separate occasions. Not only is he an impressive skater, but his dedication to educating the public about the perils of epilepsy is extraordinary. Nick's determination and warm heart set a powerful example for all of us--one that I will not soon forget.

On Danny's first day of preschool, he told his teacher, I just want to learn. Like Danny, the foundation aims to educate the general public and the medical community about this misunderstood disease.

I admire the efforts of the Danny Did Foundation and heroes like Nick Curley, who truly enjoys life, just like Danny did.

Source